Costa Rican Congé

Spend a week (or two) escaping slushy streets with sun, sand and a few
monkeys at the RIU
Guanacaste nestled along Costa Ricas gleaming Gold Coast.

sleep

With its Dolce Vita-style fountains, massive guest rooms and
endless beach, this luxurious
new resort is a sun-seekers dream. On our visit, musicians Raine
Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk were holed up in a two-story corner suite
with canopied beds, terra cotta floors and sweeping views of the ocean.
We imagine they spent their evenings on the terrace watching the sunset
(and composing duets) in the outdoor bathtub as they sipped glasses of
Guar. www.riu.com

sand

Stretch out under swaying palm trees (with a cold Costa Rican Imperial
Beer) while cheering on the mating sea turtles (theyre at it for two
days straight!). Sign out a kayak and paddle towards the empty beach
down shore, or saddle up a horse for a ride along the Pacific coastline.
Even better, book yourself a post-ride, ocean-side rub-down by a resort
masseuse or a steam-bath and Pur Vida massage ($90) at the gorgeous
Renova Spa.

swing

Even beach bunnies need a break. Get your adrenaline pumping while
zip-lining through the tropical dry forest among bellowing Howler
monkeys. Or, take a quiet Tempisque River cruise through Palo Verde
National Park spotting crocodiles, white-faced monkeys, iguana and blue
heron. The Congo Trail Canopy Tour, +506-2666-4422,
congotrail@racsa.co.cr, $50/two-hours. Palo Verde Boat Tour by Swiss
Travel, +506-2667-0606, $65/half-day.

Sunquest offers weekly flights to RIU Guanacaste, from $1437/week,
all-inclusive, www.sunquestvacations.ca

See photos from Marianne Wisenthals Costa Rican adventure in todays Editors’
Diary.